Reviews of Barrilario Douro Wine Hotel e Spa - Quinta São Jose do Barrilario 5 stars

Beautiful place, very nice staff and great food

Only thing was that our airco and shower weren’t working super. That could be treated a bit better, but we think that’s a learning point. Staff is nice

Stunning location, all staff were friendly and helpful, lovely food in a relaxing environment.

Some wasps when eating outside.

Cannot recommend enough, amazing facilities and wonderful staff, always willing to help and ensure the best staying possible. Incredible view and super calm environment. Definitely an experience to repeat!

This hotel is stunning in the Duoro Valley. If we had time we would have used the spa and pool facilities. The onsite restaurant was fantastic and made for a very enjoyable stay. The hotel is beautifully set on the hillside over looking the river.

Not sure what would have been better other than roping off the pathway that looks like part of the driveway that would be terrible if you were to continue on it.

The room and the view

The location

Gorgeous hotel in a beautiful setting. Very remote and quiet and great for a relaxing get away. I was a solo traveller from London and was welcomed well, and staff were very accommodating and kind. The hotel was celebrating their 1 year anniversary and made accommodations for me to spend time at the sister hotel instead, so had a beautiful wine tasting and dinner there, and it was spectacular. The time I had at my current hotel was limited but nice. I would like to spend more time there. Breakfast was a nice set up and had some cooked options, could have had more choice.

Room was cold, air con kept reverting to coldest settings, and not much sunshine in my room. Had dinner at rooftop bar and food came cold. Unfortunately the activities available at the hotel were not as expected, I had booked in advance for the boat ride from Pinhao and was not informed that the logistics of that require you to have your own car, or pay 100 euros in taxi fees, in addition to the 25euro boat ride. From the way it was presented, I assumed that the hotel manage this for you, but they didn't which was a disappointment. I was a solo traveller and made that clear in my booking. After the first couple of times, I don't want to keep reminding all staff that I'm travelling alone and no one else is with me. Women do travel on their own. To be asked the same question every and the look of surprise every time I make an enquiry or turn up at breakfast is tiresome. Please consider this behaviour as it directly influences the behaviour of other guests around me.

The facility is new and beautiful. Room was well appointed and breakfast room service was delicious. Amazing views everywhere. Front desk was very responsive with my emails and check-in. It's in a remote area so keep in mind it's about $30-35 euros to get anywhere.

Restaurant was a disappointment. We were seated by the host who didn't know the menu. We decided to order a cocktail and it took 3 waiters to figure out we wanted a martini (which was on the menu). It took 45 mins to get. Our 1st appetizers arrived after 1 hour. After waiting another hour (other couples started to complain), we asked to cancel and the waitress said it was too late. Waited longer and the tartare was gross and the oxtail ravioli has zero taste. Hopefully management will focus on staff training (no one at the spa, or bar area), no one cleaning up pool area. Fix these things and we'll be back!

Restaurant food level need to be upgraded for a 5 star rated hotel, who promote the food experience

Mostly everything except the bath and toilet facilities in the room

We didn't like the bath and toilet facilities. Maybe the designers had an idea but it was uncomfortable for us.

Location and staff

Closet not adapted to hang clothes such as longer coats or dresses or to store luggage. Bathroom awkward - no space to hang towels . All this makes the room look messy very quickly. The room layout feels smaller than 28 sq meters

Spa, meals, our room. The staff was exceptional to a person. Special recognition to Christiana, Carolina, Joana, Ines F, Ines A Daniel, Andrea and Mariana. They were all magnificent, warm, made us laugh and provided an amazing level of hospitality. Our massage therapist, Ilda gave one of the best massages I have had.

Douro is a gorgeous area! We drove from Braga and it was stunning scenery. The hotel is more upscale than I expected and it was the one place on our trip that I let myself just relax by the pool, read, and not try to do anything. Even got a massage. (We walked a LOT in Portugal) My husband rented an e-bike and went up to some of the surrounding villages which he loved. Our room was very comfortable with a wonderful view. I slept like a baby. The grounds are immaculate and the staff ready to meet your every need. There is a bar by the pool, and it is very relaxed. We enjoyed speaking with the staff and learning about the area. You can walk the vineyard trails and there are gardens around the hotel as well.

On our first night the kitchen couldn't seem to keep up with the guests and the dining room was a bit chaotic. We (and everyone else by the look of it) ate very late (+2 hours after being seated). The staff serving seemed to be trying their best as they were really hustling and made up for the long wait so I will chalk it up to a fluke. Ricardo, the Sommelier, was especially apologetic and accommodating. By the next evening everything was smooth. The food and wine were delicious. Breakfast was also very good - the crepes were outstanding.

Just incredible! Please go there!

Nothing.